Supporting Safe and Healthy Sexual Expression in Long-Term Care: A Review of Canadian Resources
2024

Supporting Safe and Healthy Sexual Expression in Long-Term Care

Sample size: 9 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Grigorovich Alisa, Brassolotto Julia, Manduca-Barone Alessandro, Colobong Romeo, Martin Lori Schindel, Iaboni Andrea, Feldman Sid, Kontos Pia

Hypothesis

What educational resources are available to support the safe and healthy sexual expressions of persons living with dementia in long-term care in Canada?

Conclusion

There is a pressing need to develop additional resources to better support sexual expression for persons living with dementia in long-term care.

Supporting Evidence

  • Nine resources were identified that support staff or organizations in developing policies regarding sexual expression for persons living with dementia.
  • The guidance on consent was often narrowly focused on bioethical principles.
  • Many resources acknowledged the need for healthy sexual expression but primarily focused on non-erotic intimacy.

Takeaway

The study looked at resources for helping people with dementia express their sexuality in nursing homes and found that more resources are needed.

Methodology

A critical review of publicly available online resources in Canada was conducted through systematic Google searches, targeted website searches, and expert consultations.

Potential Biases

Stigmatizing language and limited attention to sexual and gender diversity were noted.

Limitations

The resources identified were mostly text-based and focused narrowly on certain aspects of sexual expression, often neglecting broader issues.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2137

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